Hamilton Insurance Group - June 2019

THE SILVER LINING To Your Life & Health

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M y F ather ’ s W isdom

How My Dad’s Lessons Shaped My Life

The lessons I learned from my dad have affected many parts of my life. At almost every age, he had some defining lesson to teach or wisdom to provide that helped me become who I am today. Even through my parents’ divorce, our dad made an effort to be a positive, genuine force in our lives. Looking back now, I can say that he definitely succeeded. When I was growing up, Dad was the disciplinarian. If I was ever in trouble with him, I was really in trouble. In sixth grade, I finished up my school year with four Cs on my report card. My dad grounded me to our property all summer. He knew my grades could be better, and he knew that I knew it, too. That summer taught me how important good grades were to him, and by the time the next school year rolled around, they were important to me, too. No matter how hard it may seem to spend a whole summer grounded, I can now appreciate the positive effect it had on me and my academics. My dad was also a phenomenal provider. He always made sure our needs were met, even through college. My dad paid for all of our college expenses. Because of him, I

graduated without debt. His provision exemplified the value of self-reliance, and I have tried to mirror that in my life. After I graduated from college, I planned to move to San Diego to be with my girlfriend, who still had one year of college left. I went to see my dad before I left, and he gave me this advice: He said that 99.9 percent of relationships end over money, so I needed to make sure I could afford myself and be able to provide for my girlfriend. Even though my girlfriend had a full-time job as an engineer soon after she graduated, my dad told me not to rely on her income for the both of us. I followed his advice, and my girlfriend became my wife.

They care about results. Similarly, when I went through a rough season in college, he told me that sometimes life gets hard, and that I would just have to soldier through it. For him, there was no other way to put it, and I’m thankful for his no-nonsense approach to helping us be successful and self-sufficient. For all the tough advice he gave, dad cared for us deeply. When I was leaving for college, I remember him very clearly telling me that whatever I wanted to do, I could do it, and he would have my back. The deviation from his normal tone was jarring. It made me understand that ultimately, it was always his goal to take care of me. I’m so grateful for everything my dad did for me, and I want to wish all the fathers out there a happy Father’s Day this month. Thank you for everything you do.

“AT ALMOST EVERY AGE, HE HAD SOME DEFINING LESSON TO TEACH OR WISDOM TO PROVIDE THAT HELPED ME BECOME WHO I AM TODAY.”

The last thing that stands out about my dad was the high bar he set for us. The way he conveyed it could come off as harsh, but reality can be harsh, and looking back, I can appreciate that our dad didn’t coddle us. After almost making a basket in a basketball game when I was younger, my dad told me almost doesn’t count. In life, people don’t always care about your effort.

–Duane Hamilton

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The real origins of ice cream are more obscure. Ancient Romans did have something like shaved ice, but the first mentions of dairy-based frozen treats are from ancient China. It did not reach Europe until the 1600s, showing up in Italy when ice houses became more common among the ruling elite. The first recipes for ice cream appear in the early 1700s, written by the royal confectioner to Queen Anne in England. The French got in on the mix (literally) when they invented the pot freezer to make it easier to mix all the ingredients together. Ice cream came to America during the colonial era. While some claim Thomas Jefferson is responsible for introducing it (when he brought a recipe from France), some colonial governors were already eating ice cream to refresh themselves during the hot summer energy, known as qi, or “chi.” In Chinese medicine, balanced qi is essential to good health. Hundreds of studies demonstrate the mental and physical benefits this quiet martial art provides. Because of its focus on posture, tai chi is particularly helpful for balance. In Harvard’s analysis of 20 different studies, tai chi was shown to improve cognitive function and slow the progression of dementia more than other forms of exercise. While the movements appear mild, the practice of tai chi requires discipline and strength. That’s part of the reason why it provides a powerful punch of health benefits and also why less than 5 percent of people stick with it. Some teachers say it takes three years to learn the basic movements of tai chi — and more than a lifetime to master. Physical training, combined with the internal meditative aspect of

months. Jefferson did build an ice house for the executive residence while he was president, however, and Martha Washington served ice cream at Mount Vernon. Ice cream became an industry in the U.S. around the mid-1800s, and the industry continued to grow, as did the prevalence of soda fountain shops. Americans everywhere were screaming for ice cream. During World War II, dairy products were rationed, but in 1946, after the ration was lifted, Americans consumed around 20 quarts per capita annually. While it may not have actually been served at ancient royal dining tables, many cultures and notable people have tasted its sweetness. It is still one of the favorite desserts of summertime. tai chi, are the reasons martial arts legend Jet Li has turned to the exercise in recent years, even campaigning to make it an Olympic event. In an interview, Li explained his push to make tai chi a more widely recognized and accepted exercise: “In our attempts to push ourselves, we’ve lost sight of an important part of the sporting mindset: balance.” For anyone setting out on a mission to age gracefully, tai chi can help reduce your risk of falling with its focus on posture. An ounce of preventive tai chi may be worth a pound of cure; the Center for Disease Control reports that people pay an average of $35,000 in health care costs every time they fall. Many community centers and health and wellness facilities offer opportunities to learn tai chi, from free community classes to entire tai chi facilities. Go see for yourself why this is the martial art everyone should practice.

When you think about martial arts, a few images come to mind: Mr. Miyagi, possibly nunchucks, and people breaking objects using impressive disciplined strength. But one of the most powerful martial arts you may not immediately picture is tai chi. This ancient Chinese form of combat in slow motion is an internal martial art that works from the inside out by developing the body’s internal

We All Scream for Ice Cream!

This frozen dessert was rumored to be enjoyed by the kings and conquerors of ancient times. Today, it is known by many names, but most know it as ice cream. This treat has historic roots that go a lot further back than the soda parlors of Norman Rockwell’s America, and its journey to cartons at the supermarket has been a whirlwind. Numerous claims have been made about the first ancient accounts of ice cream and its icier counterparts. It has melted into stories of Alexander the Great, Emperor Nero, and even King Solomon, who all supposedly enjoyed some sort of shaved ice flavored with fruit juice or honey. However, it’s more likely that these accounts were conjured up as marketing tactics by ice cream vendors much later on.

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N ot Y our A verage F lower G arden 3 of the Best Botanical Gardens in the United States

From sea to shining sea, The United States boasts more spectacular flowers, trees, and other plants than you could ever hope to see in a lifetime. But that doesn’t mean you can’t try! Across the country, cities showcase their region’s luscious greenery, and sometimes that of other places in the world, in incredible botanical gardens. If you foster a love for natural beauty or are just looking for a place to stroll on your next vacation, here are a few of the best (Atlanta, GA) This garden features 30 acres of trails through Georgia’s native fauna and much more. The different gardens are accentuated with fountains, tranquil pools, and sculptures, including the iconic Earth Goddess sculpture in the Cascades Garden. A 25-foot-tall bust, her hair and face are constructed from over botanical gardens in the U.S. Atlanta Botanical Garden

18,000 individual plants. If you’re ever near Atlanta, make sure to stop by this garden and check their website for classes, tours, and exhibitions. Brooklyn Botanic Garden (Brooklyn, NY) In the heart of the concrete jungle, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has a multitude of different gardens and conservatories. The Fragrance Garden, originally designed to accommodate people with visual impairments, displays countless plants for the public to smell and touch. The Bonsai Museum is the largest of its kind outside of Japan. These are just a few examples of what this constantly growing park has to offer visitors of all ages. Desert Botanical Garden (Phoenix, AZ) A much different kind of garden is on display just to the east of Phoenix. By far the biggest

garden of the three, at 140 acres, this garden proves that beauty can thrive in even the harshest environments. Trails meander through the resilient landscape of the Sonoran Desert, where enormous cacti abound. It may not be lush, but it truly exemplifies the uniqueness of the environments of the American Southwest.

Z ucchini S alad W ith T oasted H azelnuts

Inspired by Food & Wine magazine

With raw zucchini, toasted hazelnuts, and a robust Parmigiano-Reggiano, this early summer salad is a delight of different textures and flavors that will make a great side at your next cookout.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 small zucchini (3/4 lb.) • 1/2 tsp lemon zest, grated • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, coarsely chopped

• Mint leaves, for garnish • Parmesan cheese, preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. Using a mandolin or very sharp knife, slice zucchini lengthwise into extremely thin, wide ribbons. 2. Arrange zucchini ribbons on a plate, sprinkle with lemon zest, and drizzle with juice. 3. Drizzle oil over zucchini, season with salt and pepper, and toss. 4. Scatter hazelnuts over the top, garnish with mint and cheese, and serve.

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Celebrating My Dad for Father’s Day Why You Need to Add This Exercise for Better Balance The History of Ice Cream, from Ancient Times to Present Day Botanical Gardens of the United States

Zucchini Salad With Toasted Hazelnuts

A Few Dads Who Went Above and Beyond the Call of Duty

H eroic D ads W ho D idn ’ t B ack D own

Kids often look up to their father as one of their greatest heroes. There are the long drives to sports tournaments, the late-night movies, and the sweets when Mom isn’t looking. We probably all have some reason to look up to our dad as one of our biggest influences. It’s Father’s Day this month, a special time of year when we take a moment to think about the sacrifices the father figures in our lives have made for us. Most dads are pretty great, but some go above and beyond the fatherly call of duty. Let’s take a look at some heroic dads who risked everything to keep their families safe. Brad Lewis: Over the Ledge Life can change in a split second, and how you choose to react in a moment of peril can define your legacy forever. Few people know this as well as Brad Lewis. When Brad and his young son, Oscar, were deeply entrenched in an intense

Nerf battle, he surely didn’t think the situation would turn as dangerous as it did. When a few darts missed his father and landed on the balcony, Oscar ran after them but soon found himself teetering on the balcony’s ledge, 12 feet above the ground. Thinking fast, Brad grabbed his son just before he fell over, both taking the plunge while protecting his son with his own body. Just as he’d intended, Brad absorbed most of the blow. While Oscar sustained serious wounds, his father’s injuries were more severe. Brad was left fighting for his life in the ICU, with severe fractures to his skull and vertebrae. Thankfully, Brad is expected to make a full recovery and has made serious strides since the accident. He and his son will live to play another day. Greg Alexander: Couldn’t Bear to See His Son Hurt While camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

in June 2015, Greg Alexander awoke to the sound of a nightmare. The screams of his son intermingled with the roars of an unknown assailant, beckoning Greg to his son’s tent. There, he found his son Gabriel being attacked by a bear. The bear had his son by the head and was dragging him away. Greg jumped on the bear’s back, desperately trying to take attention away from Gabriel. Amazingly, it worked, and in the end, the bear ran away. Gabriel was left with serious cuts to his head, but thanks to his dad’s heroism, the two were able to walk away from that campsite and back to their lives together. The important thing to remember is that you don’t have to take a leap of faith or fight a bear to be a hero in your family’s eyes. Just be yourself, show some support, and do the best you can. Happy Father’s Day, everybody.

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